The moment he saw Chloe, his composure shattered.
“My little girl…”
His voice was barely more than a whisper.
Chloe crossed the room slowly.
She did not run.
She did not break down.
She stepped close enough to place her arms around his shoulders.
Then she leaned toward his ear.
“I found Mommy’s blue bird,” she whispered. “The one Uncle Ray said was gone. It still talks.”
Gavin froze.
The guards exchanged confused looks.
But the expression on Gavin’s face changed instantly.
The sadness vanished.
In its place came urgency.
“Chloe,” he said carefully, “where did you find it?”
“In Grandma’s attic. Inside Mommy’s old sewing box.”
“Did you press the wing?”
She nodded.
“And you heard voices?”
Another nod.
